Oak Bay Fire Department
1703 Monterey Avenue
Oak Bay B.C. V8R 5V6
(250) 592-9121
Email:  obfire@oakbay.ca      Fax:  (250) 598-2749

News Release
Date: November 6, 2017                                                           OBFD file # 2017-21

For Immediate Release:

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Be Safe and Be Seen: Make yourself visible to drivers

• Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.
• Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
• Cross the street in a well-lit area at night.
• Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.

Be Smart and Alert: Avoid dangerous behaviors

• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
• Don't assume vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers; don't just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, he or she may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.
• Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look before you cross the road.
• Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

Be Careful at Crossings: Look before you step

• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, if possible.
• Obey traffic signals such as WALK/DON'T WALK signs.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
• Watch for turning vehicles. Make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.
• Look across ALL lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Even if one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.
• Don't wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing.

For more information please contact the Oak Bay Fire Department’s, Fire Prevention Division at 250-592-9121.